Flossing! Why It Matters

December 3, 2018

Floss, Floss, Baby

We get it, you’re busy. Brushing your teeth two times a day for two minutes can be hard
enough. Then, when you factor in flossing, it can really start to feel like an
inconvenience. But you have to keep in mind that dentists aren’t telling you to floss for
their own health; instead, they’re trying to help you hang onto your teeth for as long as
possible! Cleaning and Preventing are the two most important things you can do for
your oral health. Here are some details about flossing that should encourage you to do
it more often:

How to floss:

● Cut off about 18 inches of dental floss.
● Wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers, so you can have an inch or two to
work with.
● Slide the floss between each tooth and move it up and down to make sure that you
cover the whole area.
● Curve the floss around the base of every tooth. You can go all the way down to your
gum line, but don’t force it, or else you’ll hurt your gums.
● Use clean sections of the floss every time you work on a different tooth, otherwise,
you’ll be spreading plaque and food from one tooth to the next.

Here are a few reasons why you should supplement your brushing regimen withflossing:

● Keep your teeth extra clean! Although brushing removes the sticky plaque on your
teeth that leads to cavities, flossing is necessary to clear away the small food particles
that get stuck in between. Not only will they look and feel cleaner after flossing, but
your breath will also smell a whole lot fresher, too! Consider teeth whitening for a
smile with extra dazzle.
● Protect Your Gums. When debris gets stuck in the tissue between your teeth, plaque
can build up and eventually harden into tartar; which can only be removed by a
dentist or dental assistant.
● Save money. Practicing good oral hygiene will help you to avoid expensive, time-
consuming dental procedures.

Still not convinced? Schedule an appointment today to consult with a dentist.